I Promise

I love the idea of making a pledge to a baby before birth or shortly after.  It reminds me of the resolutions we make on New Year’s Day.  Though we may not reach the goals we set for ourselves for the year, it is still important to have those goals because it gives us something to move toward.

My first grandchild turned 18, graduated high school, and entered college this year.  He is meeting goals I have prayed for since I learned he was on the way.  He has lived in Texas and Oklahoma.

I also have two darling granddaughters who are seven and three.  They have lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Colorado.  During that time, my son served two tours of duty in Afghanistan and one in Iraq.  The family is now stationed in Northern Virginia.  I have hopes and dreams for them, too.  Just because I was unable to visit with them often, I remained determined to hold them in my heart and love them from afar.

I learned several months ago that in early March 2012, I will become “Meema” for the fourth time.  It’s putting it mildly to say that I’m excited.  This one will be the first for Mommy and Daddy.  I have already begun to pray for the three of them.  Some of the goals/promises/resolutions I have made regarding my older daughter and her husband involve trusting that they will be successful at parenting and promising myself (and them) not to interfere with their parenting styles.

This second grandson will be adored by his parents and because they are a bit older than the “typical” first-time parent, it is my joy that they have the maturity, patience, stability, and even the financial security that comes with having lived and worked as long as they have before the little “bump”kin makes his appearance.

Think about what promises you can make to your baby before birth, shortly after birth, or even if the child is older.  If you are a grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc., consider making a promise/resolution/pledge to a wee one of whom you know.

Ideas for promises you may make to a young baby:  I promise to …take you to the playground.  …push you on the swings.  …introduce you to other babies.  …make you more important than a spotless house.  …talk to you, sing to you, and read to you.  …make eye contact with you and share smiles. …provide healthy meals for you. …encourage you to enjoy music.  …take you regularly to the doctor.

As you can see, there is no end to promises you can make to someone you love.  Take time to add to the list I started for you.  Let expectant or new parents know that you are making promises to their baby.  Tell them what the promises are.  That will encourage you to follow through.  (The idea for this article came from the October 2012 issue of American Baby magazine.)

©2012 Brenda Holland-Robinson